Mt. Yoshino
Mt. Yoshino
4.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
295 reviews
Excellent
158
Very good
103
Average
30
Poor
3
Terrible
1
Gunjan Virk
New Delhi, India94 contributions
Apr 2019
I made a day trip to Yoshino from Kyoto towards the end of the cherry blossom season. I had hired a tour guide to take me there. Even though we left Kyoto at 6 a.m. in the morning, when we arrived in Yoshino, two and a half hours later, it was already very crowded. We took the bus from the train station (how we had to run for it!) to take us to the mountain and then hiked for almost two hours. The views were not stunning as I had read online, it started snowing and i got really cold, the paths towards the end of the hike were very slippery and narrow, and to me it was not worth the effort to take the early morning train from Kyoto! I have seen more beautiful cherry blossoms in Japan especially in Fuji. The temple at Mount Yoshino is very nice though and has some lovely spiritual vibrations. If you don't want to hike the mountain with crowds of tourists with cameras and picnic bags, you might want to consider visiting there after the cherry blossom season is over. It can be an interesting town for those who are interested in exploring Japan. But be sure to have cash on you, you may not find any card swipe machines there. Also, if you don't have a tour-guide, please have an English-Japanese offline translating app, otherwsie it may get difficult to find your way around.
Written 23 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
GLKLLCIO
United States1,192 contributions
Jul 2018 • Friends
Take my advice, go at peak bloom. Do not wait. It will not be as good and probably not worth the effort if you're too early or too late. Japan-guide dot com and other sites have the cherry blossom forecast so you need to watch that carefully. Weather patterns are not the same as in the past these days so it seems like the bloom is starting earlier and earlier lately.
See the other reviews, they're spot on. It is not easy to get to so I'd get a bus or a car. The views are great but you'll be seeing most of the sakura trees from a distance. There are a couple of the varieties that you can see close up. If you want pictures you want a zoom lens. If you want to get close up you'll need a serious telephoto or macro lens. A 70-200, 70-300, 28-300 is good for Nikon cameras.
There are lots of little shops with gifts and restaurants. I suggest trying the "kakinohazushi" vinegar sushi. The mackerel is not something that most foreigners can handle but if you can you will never forget the experience.
See the other reviews, they're spot on. It is not easy to get to so I'd get a bus or a car. The views are great but you'll be seeing most of the sakura trees from a distance. There are a couple of the varieties that you can see close up. If you want pictures you want a zoom lens. If you want to get close up you'll need a serious telephoto or macro lens. A 70-200, 70-300, 28-300 is good for Nikon cameras.
There are lots of little shops with gifts and restaurants. I suggest trying the "kakinohazushi" vinegar sushi. The mackerel is not something that most foreigners can handle but if you can you will never forget the experience.
Written 29 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
paul c
17 contributions
Apr 2019
Yoshino is the perfect place for cherry blossom (Sakura) time. It’s not as famous as other part in Kyoto which make a perfect spot to view cherry blossom trees without the tourists crowds Sakura fewer. The place is famous among locals but i was happy that it wasn’t overcrowded. If you plan to go there. I recommend you bring a bottle of water and a good pair of shoes. I suggest to take the shuttle which was ¥450 during Sakura time. From Osaka, there is direct train from tennoji/Abenobashi.
Written 19 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
SWIFTSHIFT
CAPE YORK13 contributions
Apr 2019 • Friends
Visited Mt.Yoshino from Kyoto from Kyoto on 18th April. Took the Kintetsu line costing around 1200 yen each way from Kyoto Station. Bussed it from Yoshino Station to Naka Sembon costing 450yen then walked it to Kami Sembon. Most blossoms are past its prime although a few can still be seen at full bloom towards the upper section of Kami Sembon. I did not venture to Oda Senbon but was told the trees there were in full bloom. Although coming here a week late for prime viewing it was still quite spectacular. Walked down the rest of the mountain which took about 2 hours slow pace stopping often for photos.
Written 18 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
umaboutique
Bangkok, Thailand65 contributions
Apr 2019
Journey to Yoshinoyama takes quite a while but once you get there it's all very worthwhile. Beautiful landscape with bountiful cherry blossom the entire mountainous areas, I particularly enjoy Yamato Dattan Soba Soft Cream there too, never tasted one quite this delicious! ^_^
Written 17 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Melinda G
Osaka, Japan472 contributions
Nov 2018 • Couples
I have always wanted to visit this area and finally made it this autumn. We drove there from Osaka and arrived around 1030 am. It was not crowded and the weather was amazing. Not a cloud in the sky. On the way there we stopped by a convenient store to pick up some things to eat along the hike. Good thing because there are no convenient stores at the base of the mountain. There are a lot of little shops selling souvenirs and local sweets but nothing suitable for the hike. We took our time and did the long course which was 13.6 km.
Written 11 November 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ndianah
Singapore, Singapore107 contributions
Apr 2018 • Solo
I was there at the start of the cherry blossom season and while the mountain was a sight to behold with tons of pink and white flowers, the crowd itself slightly dampened the mood. The queues to take the ropeway and shuttle buses were ridiculous -- it'll probably take an hour to get onto it. I should have expected it -- it was a Saturday and the place was a UNESCO site after all.
Instead of waiting, I decided to hike up. With an average fitness, the ascend was reasonable and the cool weather helps a lot. The lower area has a couple of eateries and this is where you can buy delicious local snacks and have a picnic on the way up. Some snacks to try are : chirimen jako (drief baby sardines), kakinoha-zushi (a rice ball with salted mackerel wrapped in a persimmon leaf), dango (grilled rice dumpling), kuzumochi (jelly/mochi-like sweet made from water, sugar, kuzu starch and coated with nutty soybean powder and brown sugar syrup) or Sakura Mochi (rice cake filled with red bean paste).
Head upwards to the middle area to see the temples and shrines before moving to the upper areas for a picnic or to enjoy a panoramic view of Yoshinoyama.
I did this as a day trip from Tennoji station, Osaka. Went out at 9am and left Yoshino station around 5pm. It was slightly rushed even though my pace was average walking speed as I took quite some time at the middle area to try the food.
Instead of waiting, I decided to hike up. With an average fitness, the ascend was reasonable and the cool weather helps a lot. The lower area has a couple of eateries and this is where you can buy delicious local snacks and have a picnic on the way up. Some snacks to try are : chirimen jako (drief baby sardines), kakinoha-zushi (a rice ball with salted mackerel wrapped in a persimmon leaf), dango (grilled rice dumpling), kuzumochi (jelly/mochi-like sweet made from water, sugar, kuzu starch and coated with nutty soybean powder and brown sugar syrup) or Sakura Mochi (rice cake filled with red bean paste).
Head upwards to the middle area to see the temples and shrines before moving to the upper areas for a picnic or to enjoy a panoramic view of Yoshinoyama.
I did this as a day trip from Tennoji station, Osaka. Went out at 9am and left Yoshino station around 5pm. It was slightly rushed even though my pace was average walking speed as I took quite some time at the middle area to try the food.
Written 23 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
kz006
Osaka, Japan144 contributions
Apr 2018 • Friends
Spots where there are plenty of cherry blossoms
Yoshino is a famous sightseeing spot with cherry blossoms.
There is a distance to the place where you can see the cherry blossoms from the station, but if you have time, it is more fun to go walking.
Cherry blossoms are blooming along the way, there are many souvenir shops and food shops.
Yoshino is a famous sightseeing spot with cherry blossoms.
There is a distance to the place where you can see the cherry blossoms from the station, but if you have time, it is more fun to go walking.
Cherry blossoms are blooming along the way, there are many souvenir shops and food shops.
Written 25 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mama2010
Indonesia482 contributions
Apr 2018 • Family
Came to visit at the sakura best viewing. Very beautiful. The hill is full of sakura. Take a bus to the mid hill, walk downhill is easy while enjoying the scenery. A good day trip, worth the visit.
Written 6 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
travellingSakura91
Portsmouth, UK40 contributions
Apr 2018 • Family
If I'd seen Yoshino at it's full bloom peak, I would have obviously given it a five star rating... but even though I caught the tail end of the season, it was still wonderful with great shops and temples throughout the area.
Many people take the Kintetsu Line from Osaka Abenobashi Station but I wanted to use the JR Rail Pass to it's full advantage. So from Tennoji Station, we took the JR Yamatoji Line train to Oji Station (approx. 29 mins), then took the JR Wakayama Line train to Yoshinoguchi Station (approx. 40 mins), then from there went down the stairs and up onto the other platform to get the Kintesu line to Yoshinoyama Station (from there we had to go to the man at the fare adjustment to pay 360 or 390 yen for the transfer).
Once there, there was the option to take the shuttle bus (360 yen) to Naka Senbon area but we walked (20 mins) and soaked in the Sakura blossoms that were still hanging on for us whilst enjoying Sakura ice cream. Even though it was busy, we didn't really notice it as we passed through and weather was divine (we went 10th April, temp was 20 degrees). On the way home (hotel in Osaka) from Yoshino, we had to stop at Takada Station before going on to Oji Station... my advice is to use hyperdia website for train schedules, it was my god send for our 2 weeks in Japan.
Many people take the Kintetsu Line from Osaka Abenobashi Station but I wanted to use the JR Rail Pass to it's full advantage. So from Tennoji Station, we took the JR Yamatoji Line train to Oji Station (approx. 29 mins), then took the JR Wakayama Line train to Yoshinoguchi Station (approx. 40 mins), then from there went down the stairs and up onto the other platform to get the Kintesu line to Yoshinoyama Station (from there we had to go to the man at the fare adjustment to pay 360 or 390 yen for the transfer).
Once there, there was the option to take the shuttle bus (360 yen) to Naka Senbon area but we walked (20 mins) and soaked in the Sakura blossoms that were still hanging on for us whilst enjoying Sakura ice cream. Even though it was busy, we didn't really notice it as we passed through and weather was divine (we went 10th April, temp was 20 degrees). On the way home (hotel in Osaka) from Yoshino, we had to stop at Takada Station before going on to Oji Station... my advice is to use hyperdia website for train schedules, it was my god send for our 2 weeks in Japan.
Written 24 April 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
default231020185
4 contributions
Would like to check what is the current blooming status of sakura in Nara and Mount Yoshino? Am planning a visit on 1st April 2019.
Jeff Tan
Hong Kong, China3 contributions
Planning a 2d1n to Mt Yoshino in Apr 16 - 17. Wondering if there are other family friendly activities besides doing trail hikes. Having a dilemma whether to rush for the 1250pm blue symphony the next day or stay on for a bit longer.
218poronkusema
250 contributions
Sorry for the late answer.
I hope you were able to travel the way you wanted.
Note:Blue Symphony is Osaka Abe Nobashi Station-Yoshino Station 2 round trips a day / 4 operation in total.
My recommendation
①Mitara Valley
②Dorogawa Onsen in Tenkawa Village
③Old tombs in Asuka Village
Note:Mitara Valley and Tenkawa Village:Public transportation from Shimoichiguchi Station to Tenkawa Village is only Nara Kotsu Bus, except for taxis.
khltripad
Singapore21 contributions
Would love to drop by Mt Yoshino to catch the Sakura season 2019, but my only available dates are 3-4 April. Especially given the recent weather trends, does that sound alright to catch a decent bloom or still a little too early? I’m only really concerned about the Shimo and Naka Senbon.
Melinda G
Osaka, Japan472 contributions
I think it’s a little early for Yoshino but it’s hard to say with global warming. I’m sorry I can’t be of much help.
D0lphinz
Singapore, Singapore742 contributions
Hi, May I know which tour u took? day tour or?
旅好きじいさん
Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan3,037 contributions
I can s aid it impossible to find parking Naka-Senbon area. I recommend Youshino by train or car, and use public bus to the Naka-Senbon area. If you come by car. Shuttle bus service is available for park and ride user from the parking where foot hill of the Yoshino-Yama Mountain.
diamondscreen
Ipoh, Malaysia12 contributions
How do I get to Yoshinoyama from Kyoto & how long it takes? Is it possible to combine Nara deer attraction & this mountain on a single day trip? Thanks..
旅好きじいさん
Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan3,037 contributions
It is possible one day trip arround Nara park and Yoshi-yama Mountain. It takes one hour from Kyoto to Nara park. two hour from Nara to Yoshino. There time is only travel time with train. You should add your schedule how much your stay the points. I hope you will enjoy there.
SK_2013_2013
Dubai, United Arab Emirates3 contributions
Hi,
I am planning a day trip to Yoshino on April 7th 2015 from Osaka to view Sakura
I intend to take the first Kintetsu Limited express train from Osakaabenobashi at 7 AM
Could you please advise :
1) if it is possible to get back to Yoshino station by 4 PM to take a train back to Osaka (we have a train to Tokyo at 7.40 PM from Shin-Osaka) (Will this be good enough time to see Yoshino ie. from 8.30 AM to 4 PM)?
2) As per the cherry blossom forecast, peak of sakura is 9th April onwards. 7th April 15, would this is fine?
3) Is it possible to make online reservations on the Kintetsu Limited express trains?
I understand this would be a long day, but 7 AM to 11 PM is our normal day any way, so should be fine.
Thanks in advance
Kind Regards
KateTree
Bangkok, Thailand
Is it possible to drive up to the naka-senbon? I'm planning to take my parents there, but they are not up to too much walking. Is there somewhere I might be able to find parking?
OscarItaly
Padua, Italy4,185 contributions
Hi KateTree,
I am not able to link here a useful web page of Yoshino but if you tape a few key words on any research engine, you will get some useful information.
At the bottom of the page you can see a map of Yoshino area, and you'll read that during the peak season private cars are not allowed to transit in Naka-senbon area. On the other hand, there is a continuous shuttle service from Yoshino railways station to Naka. Me, I was there on a week-end of mid April 2014 and it was overcrowded. I suggest to you to reach the area during the week days. Another problem that I want to point out is the difficulty that one can find to have the driving license translated in Japanese.
Another tip: please book quite in advance the tourist train transfer both from Kyoto and Osaka, because the regular trains stop everywhere, are incredibly full of passengers and it is quite hard to find a seat (worse than the use of the Tokyo underground during the rush hours)
MT. YOSHINO (Yoshino-cho) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Mt. Yoshino
- We recommend booking Mt. Yoshino tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 3 Mt. Yoshino tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Mt. Yoshino:
- (0.16 km) Yumoto Hounoya
- (0.16 km) Yoshino Onsen Motoyu
- (0.19 km) Yoshinokan
- (0.19 km) Ebisukan
- (0.27 km) Ryokan Sakamotoya
- Restaurants near Mt. Yoshino:
- (0.13 km) Yoshinokuzu Yasokichi
- (0.13 km) Yoshinoyamatofudokoro Hayashitofu
- (0.13 km) Hokoan
- (0.13 km) Tofu Chaya Forest
- (0.12 km) Persimmon Leaf Sushi Tatsumi